University Celebrates 2014 Spring Commencement

More than 6,000 friends, family and guests filled Chaifetz Arena to join Saint Louis University in celebrating the Class of 2014 during the spring Commencement May 17. The University conferred nearly 2,400 degrees this academic term.

This year's commencement speaker was Judge Jimmie M. Edwards (A&S '78, Law '81), circuit judge for the 22nd Judicial Circuit Court in the State of Missouri.

Edwards encouraged the graduates to use their SLU education to serve humanity with compassion and understanding, and strive for a greater good.

View video of the full 2014 Commencement celebration online.

"Because the Jesuits believe in educating 'the whole person' — mind, body, heart and spirit — you leave here today with more than job skills or a certificate of your hard work and attainment of knowledge," Edwards said. "You leave here as a more complete persons, prepared not just for a good job but for making a real contribution to the world."

Other notable individuals honored during the ceremony were Peggy Ritter, St. Louis philanthropist; David Steward, founder of World Wide Technology, Inc., and his wife, Thelma; and Joseph Tetlow, S.J., spiritual leader, former SLU professor and homilist at the 2014 Baccalaureate Mass. The five received honorary doctorates in recognition of their accomplishments and contributions to the improvement of mankind.

Interim President Bill Kauffman encouraged the graduates to embrace all their education has provided them and to welcome new challenges as opportunities to serve humanity.

"Saint Louis University has prepared you to live your life with purpose, to fulfill your promise and to honor SLU's mission in whatever you do," Kauffman said. "For the rest of your lives, you will have your SLU education."

Members of the SLU community are invited to nominate individuals to be honored during the 2015 spring commencement ceremonies. More information, including nomination forms and a complete list of previous honorees, can be found online.